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As hurricanes become stronger and more frequent in the South, preparing your home has never been more important. A hurricane can bring powerful winds, torrential rain, flooding, and extended power outages, sometimes with only a few days’ warning. Whether you’re a longtime homeowner or new to the coast, taking proactive steps now can help protect your property, your peace of mind, and the people you love.
Here’s your comprehensive hurricane home checklist, designed specifically for residents in the South.
Before storm season arrives, take some time to ensure you’re prepared with these steps.
Start by safeguarding your home’s structure. Schedule a roof inspection and repair any missing shingles or damaged areas. Consider reinforcing your roof with hurricane straps or clips to minimize wind damage. Install storm shutters over windows or prepare plywood panels if shutters aren’t an option. Check for air or water leaks around windows and doors and seal them with weatherproof caulk. Finally, brace your garage door and clean gutters and downspouts to avoid water buildup around your foundation.
Many homeowners don’t realize that standard policies may not cover flood damage. Contact your insurance provider to confirm that your plan includes both wind and flood coverage. Ask whether your policy offers Loss of Use (LOU) coverage, which helps cover temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable due to storm damage.
Before a storm even forms, take time to document your belongings. Photograph and video every room in your home, both inside and out. Create an inventory list that includes serial numbers, values, and receipts. This documentation will be vital if you need to file an insurance claim.
Prepare a hurricane kit that includes at least a three-day supply of essentials. Water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, a manual can opener, and basic utensils are a must. Also pack hygiene products, a first-aid kit, prescription medications, flashlights, extra batteries, a NOAA weather radio, and backup chargers. Keep important documents in waterproof containers. Include cash, a change of clothes, masks, and pet supplies like food, carriers, and medical records.
Talk with your household about what to do if you need to evacuate. Designate a safe meeting point and identify an out-of-town contact everyone can check in with. Know your local evacuation zone and routes, and plan for your pets—including how you’ll transport them and where they can safely stay.
As forecasts solidify, it’s time to take action.
Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, potted plants, and lawn decor that could become airborne. Move vehicles to higher ground or park them inside a garage. Install your storm shutters or attach pre-cut plywood panels over windows.
Top off your gas tank and make sure all devices are fully charged. Set your fridge and freezer to their lowest settings to preserve food in case of a power outage. If water service is disrupted, fill bathtubs with water for cleaning and flushing. Withdraw cash and do one last check of your emergency kit and evacuation bag.
Once it’s safe, begin assessing your home for damage. Stay cautious—watch for downed power lines, gas leaks, and standing water.
Document any damage with photos and video before starting cleanup or repairs. Contact your insurance provider to start a claim and keep detailed records of all expenses and communications.
If your home isn’t livable or you’re temporarily relocating, CORT Furniture Rental is here to help. We offer fast, flexible solutions that make any space feel like home. Whether you need a full-room package while you rebuild after a natural disaster or just the essentials, we’re here to support your recovery.
In the chaos of an approaching storm, your priority should be safety—not scrambling to find basics or emergency shelter. CORT Furniture Rental partners with insurance providers to ensure our disaster relief solutions help families rebuild comfort quickly, offering convenient furniture rental solutions whether you’re moving inland temporarily or staying close to home while repairs are underway.
Start now online, or visit your local CORT showroom to speak with a furniture rental expert who can help you feel at home—even in uncertain times.
Yes. Flooding can happen anywhere, and more than 20% of claims come from homes outside of designated high-risk areas.
It can be—when used properly. Experts recommend using at least ¾-inch thick plywood, cut to size and installed with pre-drilled holes and secure fasteners.
Plan ahead for their needs too. Make sure your evacuation plan includes a pet-friendly destination and pack a dedicated pet go-bag with food, medication, a leash, carrier, and ID tags.
Yes. Garage doors are often the largest opening in a home and can fail under high wind pressure, potentially leading to roof loss and major structural damage.
